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Verdict

A chance is taken on Prince Forever ahead of Mull Of Dubai and Bandama. A host of potentially well handicapped horses line up here having shown improved form over hurdles since making their last forays on the level and it would be no great surprise to see the likes of Bureaucrat, Wingman and King's Head mount challenges whilst Misty Dancer proved that it could be done by finishing second last year. Amanda Perrett provided the winner that year, just as she did in 2006 and she has two strong candidates this year. We prefer Bandama who is well handicapped, has run well fresh and is partnered by Ryan Moore who is the only jockey to have won on him. Mull Of Dubai is back on his career high mark following his win at Chester but he proved competitive from this rating last year and Tom Tate has him in good form. He should handle the conditions, is consistent and holds solid claims.
The same can't be said of the selection but that should be factored into his price. He was the subject of a gamble in the Lincoln but raced too keenly and never threatened to deliver. His subsequent runs may appear disappointing on the face of it but look very much as though his connections have been teaching him to settle and his latest race at Chester suggested that they've achieved their aim. If that is the case then he suddenly looks very interesting as his pedigree provides promise that he'll stay this far, he's 8lbs lower than when contesting the Lincoln and his stable is in red hot form so we're more than happy to take a chance with PRINCE FOREVER.